Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Supports This Bill:
The International Building Code is updated every three years and allows for introduction of new building materials, technology and processes, and the correction of previously identified problems. In order to adopt these codes to fit Hawaiʻi's unique environment, the State Building Code Council (and then counties) amends and adopts these codes, on an ongoing basis.
Recently, the State Building Code Council and Counties has fallen behind on adopting the most recent building code revisions, and have defaulted to adopting them without modification. Falling behind and adopting unnecessary code requirements add unnecessary costs to building housing.
This bill seeks simplify the process with a single Statewide Building Code, removing the requirement that counties amend and adopt their own building codes. This, along with fully funding the State Building Code Council, will help us stay up-to-date with the most recent building code and not miss out on new building technology that could greatly improve our building techniques.
Bill Description:
- Beginning 1/1/2028, makes the most recent Hawaiʻi state building codes adopted by the state building code council supersede all existing county building codes and thereafter allows counties to remove requirements of the state building codes or add requirements to the state building codes only with prior council approval.
- Repeals the counties' authority to adopt, amend, and update the Hawaiʻi state building codes for their respective county building codes.
This page will be updated periodically throughout the legislative session. For the most up-to-date status, please visit the bill's page on the Hawai'i State Legislature's website.